Narrative5. Written description of variance request
The PUD for this property allows for 25% hardcover as it is designated a shoreline district. We
are seeking a variance of 2.4o/o lo allow lor 27.4o/o hardcover. The project hardcover will NOT
encroach on the Bluff Creek Primary Zone more than the existing deck which is 65 feet (Setback
Standard requires 40 Feet). The majority of the work will occur on the garage side of the house
with the garage and officeiguest bedroom portion of the addition.
6. Written iustification of how request complies with the tindings for granting a variance
(pursuant to Section 20-58) as follows:
A. Variances shall only be permitted when they are in harmony with the general purposes and
intent of this Chapter and when the variances are consistent with the comprehensive plan.
This variance request is in harmony with Chanhassen's comprehensive plan and does not deter
from the housing portion of the plan. We plan to meet and exceed the existing homes finishes
and build quality.
B. When there are practical difficulties in complying with the zoning ordinance. "Practical
difficulties," as used in connection with the granting of a variance, means that the property
owner proposes to use the property in a reasonable manner not permitted by this Chapter.
Practical difiiculties include, but are not limited to, inadequate access to direct sunlight for solar
energy systems.
The practical difficulties, and the reason for this project, is the need for a second dedicated
office and a dedicated guest bedroom on the second level. The other practical difficulty is the
current garage does not fit a full size vehicle.
Homeowner Statement
My wife and I have both been working remotely since the pandemic, and the guest bedroom
currently serves as a second office space. Upcoming plans for my mother-in-law's care
necessitate a dedicated guest room, which has prompted this project to establish both a new
dedicated office and guest bedroom. Approval of this variance will facilitate my mother-in-law's
relocation and provide her with her own private accommodations.
The addition of the necessary space on the second level will also resolve the difiiculties
associated with the cunent undersized garage. Presently, we are compelled to park our
standard-sized pickup truck in the driveway or on the streel. The proposed widened garage will
feature a taller door, allowing the vehicle to fit appropriately and be removed from the public
right-of-way.
The conversion of the underutilized deck into a four-season porch is intended to promote
peaceful and successful cohabitation among family members and my mother-in-law by
providing a functional, year-round communal area.
lf granted, this variance can prevent the need to move from this neighborhood we love
C. That the purpose of the variation is not based upon economic considerations alone.
This request has no economic intention, but is solely to optimize our living space and prevent
re-locating.
D. The plight of the landowner is due to circumstances unique to the property not created by the
landowner.
The original developer seems to have been attempting to comply with the PUD hardcover limits
with this property, but short-changed the home in several ways, especially in the garage. The
City of Chanhassen allowed up to 34.9% hardcover on one property in the shoreline district and
many others ranging from 26.30/o to 34.9% can be found. We seek a sensible understanding that
since the City didn't enforce the 25o/o hardcnver at the time of original construction our 2.4o/o
which is less than the next door neighbor al27 .soh would be approved,
E. The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality
We maintain that the essential character of this site will remain unaltered. Substantial time and
effort have been dedicated to crafting a design that appears integral to the original structure.
lndeed, the homeowner, deeply invested in this location, will incur significant additional
expenses to ensure the added space seamlessly integrates with the home and neighborhood.
The ultimate outcome will eliminate vehicle storage on the driveway, provide dedicated living
quarters for their mother-in-law, and include a private office.